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Mont-Dauphin
Hautes-Alpes
Welcome to Mont-Dauphin: a Vauban citadel set against the backdrop of the peaks of the Southern Alps!
Imagine a village perched on a rocky plateau, between the Durance and Guil valleys, facing the peaks of the Écrins massif.
In Mont-Dauphin, Vauban designed much more than just a fortress: a veritable garrison town, which is now a thriving, inhabited community behind its ramparts.
Let yourself be captivated by this exceptional military heritage site, listed by UNESCO, where you can discover history against the backdrop of the mountains.
Vauban and sweeping panoramic views in the Hautes-Alpes
From the ramparts to the moats, from the arsenal to the powder magazine, Mont-Dauphin showcases the ingenuity of the defensive system devised by Vauban. From the stronghold, the view stretches out over the Durance valley, the Queyras and the peaks of the Écrins massif. Ready to take in the view from above?
Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
Word of Mouth
Some heritage sites have been given the most unexpected new uses! In the former barracks of the Rochambeau military barracks, there are now… cheeses! The maturing cellar of the Coopérative laitière des Alpes du Sud stores its produce there. In the summer, the cellar is open to visitors, who can also take part in workshops on making faisselle cheese!
Your experiences to live in Mont-Dauphin
Relive the Battle of Little Big Horn
The sculptor Ousmane Sow has transformed the Rochambeau barracks at the military fort to commemorate the Native American peoples’ final victory over the US Army. Step back in time to 1876, alongside Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, through 35 monumental sculptures created by the Senegalese artist as part of a magnificent permanent exhibition.
©Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
Meet the artists and craftspeople
Ceramists, sundial makers, stained-glass artists, bookbinders, soap makers, basket weavers… Step inside the workshops of Mont-Dauphin’s many talented craftspeople and admire their craftsmanship, which brings out the best in colours and materials, and – why not? – have a go at weaving wicker baskets during a workshop!
©Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
Enjoy the best views from the ramparts
Walk along the ramparts of the fortress to take in the surrounding scenery: the Guil and Durance valleys from the ramparts at the Porte des Embruns, the majestic Écrins massif from the ramparts at the Arsenal, or the Guil canyon and the Guillestre plateau from the eastern watchtower.
Ideas for everyone, all the time
Tour – Treasure hunt: ‘The Anne Mésia Investigations’
Enjoy a fun and interactive tour of the fortified village with the whole family! Take on the role of detectives, armed with your smartphone, as a walking trail punctuated with puzzles and challenges leads you to the village’s main heritage sites (fountain, church, arsenal, etc.). A touch of augmented reality will make your investigation even more mysterious...!
“Potes de Marmots” Festival (August)
A festival just for children – that’s what “Potes de Marmots” offers, an event that has become a must-see in Mont-Dauphin! Over three days during the third week of August, shows, musical parades, games, theatre… as well as workshops raising awareness of life in the mountains take place one after another in a friendly and festive atmosphere. Please note! It’s best to book certain popular attractions in advance!
"La Ronde de Mont-Dauphin" Gravel Ride
This 17.9 km round-trip route (approx. 2 hours) promises a lovely ride with friends! As you ride along the dizzying road from the hamlet of Gros, you’ll enjoy equally breathtaking views of the Guillestrois region and the Guil Gorges, passing through a few villages (Eygliers, Guillestre) and following the river before returning to Mont-Dauphin.
N.B.: This route offers very little shade, so it’s best tackled outside the summer season.
A walk around the fort and along the marmot trail
Make the most of the summer season, when the marmots are out and about, to go for a walk around Mont-Dauphin and Eygliers. This 5.4 km loop (approx. 2½ hours) takes you through the fortified town of Mont-Dauphin, from its earliest fortifications to the heart of the village, and on to the charming village of Eygliers, with its panoramic views over the Durance valley, before joining the marmot trail where you can observe this iconic little mountain animal up close!
Map of Mont-Dauphin
Extend the visit to near Mont-Dauphin
Saint-Véran
(20 km)
Prepare your stay at Mont-Dauphin
Office de Tourisme du Guillestrois et du Queyras
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Mont-Dauphin
